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“Then watch him die.”

Will touches my back.

“He has to believe you’re alone.”

“I know.”

“I’ll be ten steps behind you.”

“He said⁠—”

“I don’t work for Patrick.”

I remove the backpack and carry it by one strap.

Then I walk.

Gravel shifts beneath my boots.

The loading building grows larger with every step.

Frank lifts his head.

His swollen eyes find me.

He shakes his head.

I keep moving.

Patrick drags the chair closer to the open bay.

“Put the backpack on the ground.”

I stop fifty feet away.

“Let Frank go.”

“Show me the ledger.”

I unzip the bag and pull it out.

Patrick smiles.

“Now the key.”

I reach into the front pocket.

The metal catches the sunlight.

Ramirez moves beside Patrick.

He looks nervous.

Patrick does not.

“Bring them here,” Patrick orders.

“Frank comes halfway.”